AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
About Adult Family Homes
These are residential homes licensed to care for up to six non-related residents. They provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, and necessary help with activities of daily living, personal care, and social services. RCW 70.128.010.
If you are considering care in an adult family home.
- Please read our brochure, Choosing Care in an Adult Family Home or Boarding Home
- Look for an adult family home in your county with the Adult Family Home Locator
- Apply for state-funded care in an adult family home at your local Home & Community Services Office
If you want to open an Adult Family Home (AFH)
REQUIRED -- Register online for an orientation class at http://www.pware.com/index.cfm?clientid=2697a or call toll-free 1-866-556-5779, press 1 and answer questions.
In this free one-day course you will learn about resident rights, and whether you are prepared to take on the responsibility of being an adult family home provider, and an overview of regulations and laws pertaining to adult family homes. You can view additional, detailed information on various topics related to AFH at http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/afh/AFHinfo.htm.
Where can I attend an orientation class?
Classes are offered 3-4 times a month in Lacey and once a quarter in Spokane.
What happens once I've registered for a class?
You will receive a confirmation by mail of your class date, time and location within 2-3 weeks of registering, along with a map and direction to the class site. You will also receive an information packet that explains what is required to apply for an AFH license, what is required to open and operate an AFH.
I took an orientation class over a year ago and then had some delays in getting around to applying for a license. Now I am ready to apply for a license. Do I need to attend orientation class again?
If you took the class more than a year ago (365 days), you will need to take the orientation class again.
If it's been less than a year, can I use the application provided in the packet from the orientation I attended previously?
If you received your application before January 1, 2009 , you will need obtain the current DSHS 10-410 online at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/word/ms/forms/10_410.doc Applications submitted on outdated forms will be rejected.
I am opening a second adult family home; what do I need to do?
Contact the Business Analysis & Applications Unit at (360) 725-2420.
Once I've attended an orientation class, what is the next step toward becoming licensed?
You will need to complete and submit the application packet correctly, according to the instructions provided on the application.
How long does it take to become licensed?
There is no specific time frame for becoming licensed. It depends on how quickly the application is completed accurately and scheduling of the initial licensing visits
AFH Building Codes & Inspections
- Application & Inspection Checklist (PDF Format)
- Find Your Local Building Professional (PDF Format)
More Information
More information for AFH providers
